BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Birmingham did it's part today in the attempt to set a Guinness world's record for the most people picnicking in a 24-hour period. At Railroad Park, 629 people spread out their food as part of the worldwide Picnic for the Planet.

The Nature Conservancy of Alabama sponsored the event in the Birmingham area. Other picnics were being held by Nature Conservancy groups in all 50 states and about three dozen countries in an attempt to break the record of about 24,000 people. There's no word yet on whether a new record was set.

The Nature Conservancy took red and white checkered tape and divided Railroad Park into grids. At exactly 1 p.m., volunteers with hand counters spread out in their grids and counted the picnickers for 10 minutes.

To be counted, picnickers had to be seated on the ground or in chairs and have two food items and a drink. The Nature Conservancy provided free chips, apples and water for those who arrived at Railroad Park empty-handed.

"We're real excited," said Linda Montgomery, director of philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy of Alabama. "And we're hoping people are learning about the Nature Conservancy and what we do to conserve our natural resources in Alabama."

Picnickers also listened to several bands, tossed footballs and Frisbees, and looked at picnic tables decorated by local individuals, groups, and businesses in a fundraising competition. Winners of the competition were announced and each received an award that had an ant eating a hot dog on it.